Well this is NOT a EVO vs. STI thread. I just wanted to know which car is more mechanically dependable and as far as it goes for maitinence. I know that EVO's can give a little punch in the face if there is a mechanical problem since really its new to the US. I know the STI is new as well but as for engine components and that would it be a cheaper car to maintain?


Thanks
Derek

 

idk thats a good question.. i have to say that since mitsubishi is in the state its in. getting a repair from them would be very expensive, since they need as much money as they can get... ( this is if your talking strictly going to the dealer )... if not i think its just about the same with the kinda money for the parts...


anyoen else?

 

Hmmm, the STi has a far more reliable transmission, due to the Evo's weak transfer case, but a substantially weaker engine. Subaru builds a great car, but so does Mitsu (Evo only).

The Evo should get better gas mileage with good tuning, so my vote goes to Evo, not to mention that it is cheaper to procure.

 

ya think? I know personally of a subie that has gone thru 4 tannies..I would have to say the tranny of subie is less reliable than an evo one..... at least from what I have seen and experienced personally.

 

When I had an STI, I was getting on average, 18mpg

With the EVO (same commute) I get on average 22mpg

mechanically, it's too close to call. I have not had any problems with the EVO, but with a regular WRX (not an STI) I had 2 clutches before 40k miles. I swapped out my stock clutch long before it failed at 20k

 

From all I've heard, both cars should last a long time if properly maintained. That, of course, is the key. Follow strict schedules for oil changes, belt replacements, etc. Neither will be 'cheap' to maintain as you can't run skinny/cheap tires, cut-rate brake pads, and dino oil. Don't forget gas either. You'll pay that extra $0.25+ every gallon.

Again I'll refer to my perennial verdict: this one depends on personal preference. While the EJ25 isn't very old, there no reason to believe it's less well engineered than previous motors I guess. I don't see how _anybody_ could argue that the 4g63 is new.

In short, I think the difference made by ownership habits would be much, much greater than any reliability difference between the cars.

EDIT: As far as Mitsubishi's financial situation, I think it's much too complicated to be factored into a a purchase decision. I have yet to see a singe piece of convincing evidence that MMNA sevice departments will be going away anytime soon.


d

 

You absolutely have to factor that in. Especially w/the problems A LOT of EVO owners are having.

I know that I am looking at that as a fairly large part of my decision as to which one to buy because I don't plan to mod the car.

 

I say the Evo is more dependable. Getting the '05 Evos(RS,VIII,MR) have a 3-year/45k miles free-maintenance(oil change,fluids etc.) plus a 10yr/100k miles powertrain warranty, can't beat that

 

STi comes with a warranty.

loco, you can get your warranty voided by Mitsubishi even if you're stock. Search all the threads and you will see why people make jokes about the "Best Backed Cars in America" commercials.

Subaru will honor their warranty, which would make me think it will be cheaper in the long run. You can get a used STi for about the price of a use Evo, and it will come with a good warranty (even if the warranty expired, it comes with a 30 day warranty from the dealership) and you get the chance to extend the warranty if you want.

However, if you're a gambling man, you can always hope you get one of the "good" Evos that will almost never have a problem.

I understand you don't want to mod. That is a good decision if you don't have a lot of money to waste. Subie will not "void" your warranty. That is unless you leave the country -- or as some stories report -- if you race. Also, an STi is a little cheaper to insure.

The Flat 6 engine has some problems. Especially the early STis, which had piston problems (I think). If you were to do mods, I would go with the proven 4G63. Honestly the Evo is generally well built, it's only the warranty that sucks. If you mod, race, or go to a bad dealer, there is a chance you won't get warranty work.

Seriously, it all depends on how much cash you have for repairs (i.e. does the warranty matter), and whether or not you plan to mod.

Hope this helps,
Fasil.

 

I hope that you are referring to the ej257 boxer 4? Or H4? The STi only has a 4 banger.

And does anybody have any other known STi 6mt failures to note? Not the WRX, but rather the STi. To my knowledge, that thing is bulletproof. I was pumping 340 ish WHP through mine with nary a problem.

 

STi has cruise control, seats that are still purpose built but might be better for the longer cruises, and no mitsu warranty troubles, although every company as their problems with aftermarket parts.

 

Lol, I was thinking of Porsche. I was referring to the ej257 (USDM 2.5L Boxer 4 STi motor for those who don't know codes). Simple Freudian slip AKA "si teh lapsus linguae."

As far as I know that transmission is hardcore.

 

i say sti

cuz mitsu parts has always been expensive

 

I have heard of problems with the 6-speed. I think it's more of a quality control issue, not any mechanical flaw with the tranny itself.

 

the only big factor I see is in fact the boxer engine. Just to say I would have the car for the longrun a boxer would be impossible to work on which makes me lean to the EVO, But, I notice someone said people had problem with the STI transmission blowing by FstApexEvo ive also heard mainly of this problem with EVO's which im not certain of. Im also not really aware of the parts similarities between the WRX and the STI such as other mechanics like axle shafts (CV) , if these were the same cost of repair would go down. I love both cars and im not really someone to Mod one after growing out of that stage.


One problem that I have with both is really the attention they create as well. Im not saying its bad attention and im not even pointing towards police attention, STI possibly could pass off as a regular WRX while a EVO has more of a distinct look than its sibling Lancer. As I look at both these cars I also have another car in mind the B5 Audi S4 which comparably would have similar maitenence costs almost*


Thanks for your feedback so far.